Exercise May Make Life Better for Those With Arthritis

SATURDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Regular exercise boosts
quality of life and reduces health care costs for people with
arthritis, a new study shows.

Researchers found that meeting national physical activity
guidelines could add up to 20 days of good health in one year for
these patients.

However, many Americans are not getting the recommended 150
minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a week, in bouts lasting
at least 10 minutes each.

The findings were scheduled to be presented this week at the
American College of Rheumatology annual meeting in San Diego.

"Regular physical activity improves health and reduces mortality in the general population. Furthermore, physical activity promotes arthritis-specific health benefits including improving symptoms, function and psychosocial outcomes, as well as reduced disability," study author Dr. Kai Sun, a medical resident and research trainee at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, said in a news release from the American College of Rheumatology.

"Despite these benefits," Sun noted, "the majority of adults in the U.S. do not attain the recommended amounts of physical activity."

One type of arthritis -- osteoarthritis -- which is most common
among middle-aged or older adults, causes progressive damage to the
cartilage, or cushioning at the end of long bones. This damage can
lead to pain, swelling or limited movements around the joint.

Knee osteoarthritis is one form of the joint disease that may be
worsened by excess weight. A person's age, certain injuries, stress
on the joints and having a family history of the condition also
increase people's risk for osteoarthritis.

Using results from a nationwide study sponsored by the U.S.
National Institutes of Health, a team of researchers examined
physical activity levels and the quality-adjusted life years (a
standard measurement of quality of life and cost-effectiveness of
medical treatment) of 4,700 adults diagnosed with or at risk for
arthritis of the knee.

The researchers measured the physical activity levels of the
participants for one week using a device called an accelerometer.
They then divided the participants into three groups: One group
included those who were meeting national physical activity
guidelines; the second group included participants who were not
active enough, but did engage in some moderate to vigorous
activity; and the third group included those who were inactive.

The researchers measured the participants' physical activity
level and quality-adjusted life years when the study began, and
again two years later.

Over the course of the study period, the quality-adjusted life
years of participants who met the guidelines for physical activity
were higher than those who were somewhat active or inactive, the
investigators found.

The difference translated into between 10 and 20 more days of
good health in one year. The researchers noted that even if the
national guidelines are not met, increasing physical activity in
any way could enhance quality of life, add years of health and
lower overall health care costs for people with arthritis.

Research presented at meetings should be viewed as preliminary
until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and
Skin Diseases has more about
osteoarthritis.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.